Robert Elliott Blakeney, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at age 89 on Oct. 20, 2022, in the family home of his son Robert E. Blakeney, III.

He was born in Waynesboro, Georgia, on Aug. 7, 1933, and was a graduate of Waynesboro High and Industrial School. He went on to graduate from Fort Valley State University, where he achieved his undergraduate degree. He received his master’s degree in history from Indiana University.

In his lifetime, he was a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War; a police officer in Washington, D.C.; and a basketball and football coach in the state of Georgia.

The bulk of his adult career was spent as vice principal at Santa Barbara High School, where he retired in 1994 after 25 years at the school.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Andrews Blakeney, and their sons, Robert E. Blakeney, III and Bradley Blakeney, as well as children Gene Lewis, Bruce Blakeney, and Alda Blakeney-Wright.

One son, John Lewis, preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be held 1-4 p.m. March 18 at the Santa Barbara High School auditorium.

All who knew him are welcome to attend, and are asked to wear the colors of the school he loved and dedicated 25 years of his life to, Olive and Gold!